It’s that time of year when we are preparing for winter. As the chill in the air becomes more noticeable and the leaves start to fall, it’s a clear sign that winter is just around the corner. Winter brings many joys, such as cozy evenings by the fire and snowball fights, but it also presents its own challenges.
From extreme weather conditions warnings to power outages, it’s so important to be prepared for any emergencies that may arise during the winter months. If you’re busy preparing for winter, check out this emergency preparedness checklist.
Stock Up on Supplies
Heading into winter, ensuring you have plenty of essential items is important. Here are some key supplies to consider:
Food and Water
Stock up on non-perishable food items that can last for an extended period. Canned goods, dry pasta, and rice are good options. Don’t forget to store enough drinking water to sustain your household for at least three days. How To Store Emergency Food And Water
As mentioned, various government agencies and groups like the American Red Cross suggest we have at least one gallon per person per day stored for each person in your household for three or more days. I’ve always recommended to my readers that four gallons per person daily is more realistic. Preparing for proper hydration, cooking, minimal laundry, and personal hygiene would be best.
Medications and First Aid
Ensure you have an adequate supply of prescription medications and a well-stocked first aid kit. Include items like bandages, antiseptics, and over-the-counter medicines for common ailments. 35 OTC Medications You Should Store
Heating Fuel and Alternative Heat Sources
If you rely on a heating system other than natural gas and oil, ensure you have enough fuel to last through the winter. A few winters ago, we used a fireplace insert to heat our home. We’d go up in the mountains and cut wood as permitted. It was hard work, but we enjoyed the family time together.
If you plan to use your fireplace as a heat source, keep the area around it free of flammable materials.
Consider investing in alternative heat sources, such as a generator or space heaters, for emergency situations. What is the Best Firewood for Home Heating?
Prepare Your Home
Taking steps to winterize your home will keep you warm, save energy, and prevent potential hazards. Consider the following preparations:
Have Your Heating and Air Conditioning Ducts Cleaned
When we lived in Southern Utah, we had our air ducts cleaned out, as well as the dryer vent (it was on the roof). I kept telling Mark we shouldn’t have to dust so much in this house. Sure enough, I called a professional company to clean the ducts. There was so much debris from when the house was built.
We couldn’t do the dryer vent cleaning ourselves because it went up to the roof. I’m not sure why, but that’s how they built our home.
Insulation and Weatherstripping
Inspect your windows and doors for gaps or cracks that let cold air in and warm air out. Apply weatherstripping or caulking as appropriate to seal these areas. Adding insulation to your home can also help conserve energy and keep the cold out. What to Use for Insulation to Stay Warm
We doubled the amount of insulation in our attic and were pleasantly surprised to find that we had saved on our heating and air conditioning costs as a result.
Clear Gutters and Downspouts
Clear debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams and backup water. This will help protect your roof and prevent potential leaks or damage. I see lots of TV ads for gutter guards to prevent leaves from clogging things up. You may want to check those out if your yard has many trees.
Service Your Heating System
Schedule a professional inspection and servicing of your heating system. Clean or replace filters, check for leaks and ensure everything functions properly. Regular heating equipment maintenance will ensure your system operates efficiently throughout the winter.
Be sure that your furnace room is clean, organized, and free of combustible materials such as loose papers and old rags.
Emergency Communication and Lighting
During severe weather conditions, power outages are not uncommon. To stay connected and have adequate lighting, consider the following:
Battery-Powered Radio and Cell Phone Chargers
Keep a battery-powered radio on hand to stay updated on weather, emergency alerts, and other emergency information. Invest in portable cell phone chargers to keep your devices powered even during power outages. Communication Options for Your Family During a Disaster
I’ve recommended that my readers acquire a hand-crank radio,, too. That way, you can still get winter storm warnings when the power is out and your battery supplies are low. Invest in one that qualifies as a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio to get all the winter storm warning alerts you need from the National Weather Service.
Train all family members on finding the proper weather channel(s) so that you are ready to go when a winter storm watch is announced.
Flashlights and Batteries
Have multiple flashlights readily available and a good supply of extra batteries. Place them strategically around your home for easy access during emergencies. Why You Should Keep Batteries on Hand
I’ve invested in some solar flashlights and lanterns. I keep them charged by strategically placing them on window sills facing the daylight sun.
Lanterns and Flashlights
Prepare Your Vehicle
Winter weather can wreak havoc on roads, making driving conditions dangerous. Follow these steps to ensure your vehicle is ready for winter:
Check Your Tires
Inspect your tires for tread wear and ensure they are correctly inflated. Consider switching to winter tires for added traction on slippery roads if your location is prone to snow and ice storms. 14 Uses for Your Old Worn-Out Tires
If your area is prone to severe weather, including snowy or slick roadways, consider having tire chains as part of your car emergency kit. Take some time to learn how to install them, and make sure they are the right size for your tires and that any attachments needed are in good shape.
Maintain Fluid Levels
Check and top off fluid levels, including the antifreeze level in your radiator, windshield washer fluid, and oil. Cold temperatures can cause fluids to deplete faster.
We never know how an emergency will affect us. Make it a point to keep your gas tank at least above half full. If you’re caught in a storm and travel is much slower and uses precious gasoline, or you’re at home but directed to evacuate, having enough gas to get you to safety is critical.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Assemble an emergency kit for your car, including blankets, a snow shovel, an ice scraper, jumper cables, and non-perishable snacks. This will come in handy if you get stranded on the road. What Happens When Roadways Shut Down?
Your kit should also have a change of clothes to get you out of wet clothing. Winter weather is cold, and the chance of frostbite and hypothermia is high. Some signs of frostbite are muscle and joints getting stiff, numb, cold, and pale skin, pins and needles in fingers and toes, some loss of feeling, burning and stinging sensations, and more. Don’t wait; get medical help ASAP if you or your loved ones experience these things.
Extended time in the cold can bring on hypothermia and related symptoms. Some things to look for are memory loss, drowsiness, disorientation, shivering, dizziness, weak pulse, clumsiness, slurred speech, and even loss of consciousness. If you experience these symptoms, contact a health professional immediately.
I suggest you carry a bag of sand or cat litter in your vehicle during the winter months. The contents can improve traction on slippery roads during or after blizzards, whether snow, sleet or an ice storm. Please consider getting a Carbon Monoxide Detector and a Natural Gas Leak Detector.
More Tips to Check Out
- How to Survive in a Stranded Car During Winter
- What to Stock Up on for Winter
- 15 Items to Stock Up On For Winter
How often should I check my emergency supplies during winter?
It’s recommended to check your emergency supplies periodically throughout the winter season. Ensure your food, water, batteries, and other essentials are within their expiration dates and in good condition. Regularly assess and replenish as needed to ensure your supplies are always ready for emergencies.
What should I do if I live in a region that doesn’t experience harsh winters?
Even if you live in a milder climate, taking some winter preparedness measures is still a good idea. This can include insulating your home, stocking up on emergency supplies, and ensuring your vehicle is ready for any unexpected changes in weather conditions.
Is there anything I can do to guard against carbon monoxide poisoning in my home and car?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas. It becomes present when carbon combustion in fuels isn’t complete. In your home, that can happen from an improperly vented furnace room. Like smoke detectors, you should have a carbon monoxide detection device in your home.
For your car, never run your vehicle in a closed garage. Open the garage doors if warming up the car. If stuck in a snowbank, ensure the exhaust system can push the exhaust out of the tailpipe without any restrictions.
If I plan to use my fireplace this winter, how do I ensure it is safe?
Most fuels used in a fireplace leave a creosote residue after burning. You should always check your chimney’s venting system and ensure it’s clear from obstructions. If not, have it professionally cleaned since it can become a fire and explosion hazard when the fireplace is used and can’t be properly vented outside.
What are some personal safety tips during the winter?
Some tips to remain safe are:
- Don’t get on a tall ladder to clean the gutters. Some professionals can be paid to do that.
- Do not climb your roof to clear excessive snow accumulations. Instead, consider installing heating systems to help melt the snow.
- Get a snow plow service or some young men in your neighborhood to shovel your wide driveway and sidewalks. If you are unsteady, overexertion when removing snow can be dangerous.
- Make sure you put down salt or snowmelt in areas with high foot traffic so people won’t be at risk of falling.
Final Word
When you complete this checklist, you’ll be well-prepared to face the challenges that winter may bring. Being proactive and taking the necessary steps to ensure your safety and comfort is important. Trust me, using these tips for preparing for winter is a good idea! May God Bless this World, Linda
Copyright Images: Snow With Two Cups of Tea Depositphotos_41446557_S by Photollurg2, Cup of Fresh Hot Coffee Depositphotos_253150538_S by Tolokonov, Condo Complex In Blistery Winter Storm Depositphotos_639790192_S by Lawcain, Man Using Snowblower Depositphotos_43173613_S by Elenathewise, Snowstorm on Mountain Road AdobeStock_412187 By Vlad Turchenko
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